Young drivers are often safe drivers. Their training is still fresh in their minds and they are still learning so most drivers who are younger are taking driving seriously. That said, they also have less experience than more seasoned motorists and younger drivers may face more peer pressure from their similarly aged passengers. There are five ways you can help your teen avoid car accidents and traffic collisions in Hollywood and in surrounding areas:
Many teenagers right now are feeling a little bit restless, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic has cancelled many activities, classes, and even get-togethers. As a result, teenagers with drivers’ licenses may be driving more as a way to have something to do, and this extra time on the road can pose additional hazards.
If your children are bored and driving over longer distances, they may be taking more risks and simply being on the road for a longer can mean a higher risk of car accidents and injuries. For these reasons, right now is an excellent time to talk to your children about driving safely. You may want to talk about:
Scientists know that brain development in teenagers is very different than brain structure in adults. Teenagers still have brains that are developing, which can make it harder for them to evaluate the long-term consequences of their actions. It is one reason why teens are not allowed to drink until they are older, since they need the extra time to grow and accumulate experience to ensure they can handle alcohol safely.
Teen drivers can fall prey to peer pressure or inexperience, which can contribute to car accidents. If you have a teen driver in Homestead or anywhere in South Florida, you may want to talk to them about safe driving. A safe driving plan can include:
Getting a driver’s license is an exciting moment for many teens, but most teens get their licenses after only a few hours of instruction. Even new drivers who do attend driver education classes often get only limited one on one time with a professional instructor. In group classes, teens may only get limited time behind the wheel of a car for solid practice.
There are many signs that your teen may need more driving instruction. If your teen is not confident behind the wheel of a car, if their insurance rates are high, or if they have been in fender benders or close calls, these are all signs that additional training and education may be beneficial.
When your teen first gets their license, they’re usually thinking about freedom and about all the great things they will get to experience. Road trips. Visits to friends. Teens rarely think about their first accident, but in reality young drivers do find themselves in serious collisions in Hollywood and Florida. And if your teen drives long enough, statistically they will be in a few collisions in their lifetime.
As a parent, it’s a terrifying thought. But it’s also an opportunity to prepare your teens and to have an honest discussion about the dangers of driving. Even if you hate the thought of your child ever being in a collision in Hollywood or anywhere else, having this tough discussion is crucial. It can help you impress upon your young driver how to avoid crashes—and can help them understand what they need to do to protect themselves if they ever are in a crash.
Most drivers find themselves in at least one accident, and new drivers in their teens are especially likely to be in an accident. They simply don’t have extensive driving experience and they may make mistakes due to their new driver status. Unfortunately, teens can also panic and makes serious mistakes after a car accident.
Some of the more common mistakes that minors may make after an accident include:
Young drivers have some of the highest insurance rates around, and a big part of this has to do with the fact that statistically speaking, young drivers are more likely to take part in risk taking activities behind the wheel. According to research, this is especially true of young male drivers who are in the car with their peers.
The idea that your child may be hood surfing, speeding, driving stunts, drag racing, or taking part in any dangerous activities can be hard to believe. However, the parents of teenagers who are seriously injured or even killed by taking part in these activities often tell authorities that they had no idea their child was involved in these types of situations. Children may be injured the first time they try an unsafe driving maneuver. In some cases, too, children go well out of their way to keep their more risk taking activities a secret from their parents.
If your children are under the age of 21 and cannot legally purchase or drink alcohol, it doesn’t mean you don’t have to worry about drunk driving. Underage drunk driving accidents in Homestead, Hollywood, Miami, and other Florida communities, unfortunately, are all too common. Many parents assume their child would never drink while a minor, but it is in fact common practice. Children often face considerable pressure from their peers and many start drinking much, much earlier than parents realize.
In addition, children may get into a car with older friends or friends’ siblings, who may be under the influence. Some children who are injured in drunk driving accidents involving an inebriated and underage driver are not always the ones who are drinking. In some cases, they are simply in the wrong place at the wrong time but may still pay a price in serious injuries.
For teenagers, car accidents remain the leading cause of death. In many cases, these fatalities are preventable, but despite the fact that many resources are available to help teens, this age group can be hard to reach. Young drivers in Homestead and other parts of Florida may be at risk of car collisions because they are still developing their skills and because they face considerable peer pressure to take risks on the road.
Parents, loved ones, and other adults can help. If you have a teen driver in your life, there are several things you can do:
All groups of drivers may have some risk factors which can put them at risk of a car accident. For young drivers, however, peer pressure and less driving experience, driving can be especially dangerous. Studies have found younger drivers may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as hood surfing, drag racing, and other dangerous risks. If you have a teen or young driver in your home and want to reduce their risk of being in a Hollywood or Florida car accident, you need to be aware of the dangers.
Drag Racing
Drag racing has been around since the 1920s and for many years was popularized in movies, shows, and music videos, which has given young drivers the idea to try it. Races are often held late at night or early in the morning in remoter areas and because of the speed involved, serious injuries can occur.
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